Hervey Bay could struggle to be competitive in 2018

Former Hervey Bay Seagulls captain Clinton Horne leads out his troops for the 2016 Bundaberg Rugby League grand final. He will join the team he beat that day, The Waves Tigers, in 2018.Matthew McInerney

A MASS exodus of players could put Hervey Bay Seagulls' hopes of fielding a competitive A-grade team in danger.

Up to 10 junior and established A-grade players have already left the three-time Bundaberg Rugby League minor premiers, and more are expected follow suit.

GONE: Hedi Kafoa started the 2016 season with Maryborough Brothers then joined Hervey Bay midway through the year. He has also been named part of Western Mustangs' Hastings Deering Colts squad.Alistair Brightman

Six junior Seagulls, of which four have played A-grade in the past three years, will join Intrust Super Cup clubs or compete in the restructured Queensland Rugby League under-20s competition.

Dylan Glynn, Hedi Moani-Kafoa and Tuia Eliu will link with Western Mustangs' U20s for the Hastings Deering Colts competition. Young guns Braden Whittaker and Michael O'Shea are set to join Wynnum-Manly Seagulls, while Tiko Hooper is off to Sunshine Coast Falcons.

GONE: Letuia Eliu was named part of Western Mutangs' Hastings Deering Colts side.Mike Knott BUN020917LEAGUE3

Veteran Seagulls Clinton Horne and Billy Stefaniuk signed with Waves Tigers for the 2018 season.

The duo played major roles in Hervey Bay's charge to the 2016 BRL A-grade premiership, as well as the minor premiership in 2015, 2016 and 2017.